The popular model represents the American company in the C-SUV segment, with its rechargeable hybrid system and 225 horsepower proving to be a hidden ace, as the Ford Kuga PHEV is the best-selling plug-in hybrid car in the European market. Our weekly symbiosis with it gives us the answers.
The pulse of the market
Ford introduced the Kuga in 2008 and since then it has represented the American brand in the then emerging, now popular C-SUV segment. The first generation remained in production until 2012, when it was replaced by the second generation. In 2019 Ford introduced the third and current generation of the model. It is based on the Ford C2 platform and is Ford's global car, marketed in the US as the Ford Escape. Since 2008 it has been catching a pulse with sales of the Ford Kuga trending upwards, with the current model galloping in registrations, with particular consumer interest in the 225bhp plug-in hybrid version!
With the Focus recipe
Ford is keeping its new design language in the Kuga. With distinctive references, it attempts to emphasise the SUV's close ties to its timeless best seller, the Ford Focus.
At the front in particular, the influence of the current generation of the Ford Focus is more than evident. It has exactly the same shape, with proportionally larger dimensions. The large oval headlamps with LED graphics give it a sporty feel. The large air intake on the bumper is the signature feature of the car. The effect is controversial, as one will either like it too much or not at all. However, it does not go unnoticed.
The profile of the car does not hide its volume. Clean lines with strong nerves form an exuberant silhouette with correct proportions, which do not tire and artfully conceal the car's true volume. One of the clever elements of the design, is the folding black plastic protector on the edges of the doors, which appears when the door is opened, to avoid scratches from minor bumps, on other vehicles, pillars and walls, when opening.
The rear follows the same design evolution as previous generations, making it clear that this is the Ford Kuga. The horizontal rear lights with LED graphics give a serious and beautiful image, completely different from the rest of the car. The twin exhaust tips at the ends of the bumper add to its dynamism.
What's more, in our test ST Line version, Ford has given the Kuga stylistic details that highlight its lineage.
Spacious and quality
Ford has taken great care with the interior of the Kuga, providing it with high-quality materials, above the class average, achieving an excellent finish with good tactile feel and beautiful visuals that don't tire the eye.
In terms of design, simple and simple lines form a functional dashboard that is not challenging. Central to it emerges the 8-inch touchscreen of the SYNC 3 multimedia system, compatible with Android Auto and Apple AirPlay, very easy to use. Behind the beautiful, robust steering wheel, the standard 12.3-inch digital instrument panel with impressive graphics and comprehensive information can be found.
The seats focus on comfort, achieving proper and secure body support for passengers who feel at home in the welcoming interior of Ford Kuga. It can accommodate taller passengers both in the front and rear, with the necessary leg and shoulder room.
In terms of practicality, the blue oval exceeds expectations. The designers have equipped the cabin with small and large compartments in an attempt to make the best use of the interior space.
Ergonomically, the Ford Kuga is driver-friendly, with the switches in the right places without having to distract the driver from the road. The centre console between the two front seats is functional with cup holders, a place for wireless mobile charging. Also on the driver's side is the clever rotary electronic gearbox selector, which the driver turns to select PRND and presses the L at the top to retrieve. Just behind are the buttons for selecting the driving program, all-electric mode and Park Assist, all with user-friendliness in mind.
Depending on the position of the sliding seat, the volume of the luggage compartment ranges from 411 to 581 litres, while with the rear seats folded it reaches 1,481 litres. Although satisfactory, it is smaller than the standard versions (475-645), given the presence of the battery on the floor under the boot.
Efficient electrification
Under the bonnet we find a 2.5-litre petrol engine running on the Atkinson cycle, producing 152 hp and 200 Nm of torque, which is combined with an electric motor integrated in the gearbox, producing 132 hp and 230 Nm of torque. The combined power reaches 225 hp, sending power to the front wheels via the eCVT electronic single-speed transmission. It uses a 14.4 kWh lithium-ion battery, which offers an electric range of around 56 km based on the WLTP standard.
Balanced
All of the above features make for a very interesting car, from a driving point of view. So it's time to draw our conclusions in normal conditions.
In the city, despite its volume it moves smoothly and formally. Allies in this are the large glass surfaces, the very good visibility and the corners of the car, which give the driver exactly the position of the car. The all-electric drive with zero fuel consumption gives it another advantage in the urban fabric!
In the mountain and rural network fully demonstrates its excellent driving behaviour. Ford engineers have developed a robust chassis that offers the driving pleasure necessary for a ride and leisure car like Kuga. The set-up is thoughtful, and the suspension operation is well-balanced. It absorbs road bumps without allowing them to seep into the cabin, while body roll in corners is limited, focusing on comfort without sacrificing safety. The car "treads" very well on the country road network, turns smoothly and generally drives pleasantly!
On the motorway reveals its traveling character, leaving a positive impression with its rolling quality and high levels of sound insulation even at higher speeds. Once again, comfort is the Kuga's strong point!
General the Ford Kuga is a pleasure to drive with an unexpectedly good handling. The suspension function is exemplary. At no point does it focus on the sporty feel, nor does it challenge for speed. But as a ride car it is highly enjoyable with a focus on comfort, safety and low fuel consumption. The hybrid system works exemplarily, and energy recovery is smooth, even with the "L" button depressed, without startling or braking abruptly. The car's average fuel consumption was 3.9 litres per 100 kilometres, while with an empty battery it reached 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres. In terms of power supply, it takes about 2 hours on a 7.5 kWh charger. The car has ECO/NORMAL/SPORT driving programs and special Snow/Sand programs for special conditions in snow and sand. Normal is the ideal driving profile for all conditions, Eco when extra economy is required, while Sport changes the engine mapping, the sound becomes rougher, the steering heavier and the suspension stiffer, ideal for more dynamic driving. At the same time, the Plug-In Hybrid system offers 4 driving modes that refine the driving experience according to individual needs.
In particular EV Auto, the standard hybrid mode; EV Now, for all-electric drive; EV Later, which maintains the battery energy at a pre-set level, using mainly the thermal engine; and EV Charge, in which the thermal engine charges the battery for whenever the driver needs it.
Focused on escapes
The Ford Kuga rechargeable hybrid is ideal for those who like to get away from it all and need space for equipment and company. For young families who love road trips. For those who want total safety in their travels and emphasize fuel economy!
Focus on the price/value ratio
Ford has built a quality car that flirts with the premium class at a mainstream price. The $49,990 price tag is below the average pricing for plug-in hybrids in the segment. Considering the technology on the one hand, and on the other hand how well-engineered the car is mechanically, we realize that Ford has weighed the cost to the consumer very well and focused on the price/value ratio, offering an honest Plug-In hybrid car and that is the main reason why it is the first best-selling rechargeable hybrid in the European market.
Technical characteristics
| AMAXOMA | |
| Press | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| CONSUMPTION - EMISSIONS - EPIDOSIS | |
| Average combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 1.4 l/100 km |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 32 g/km |
| Fuel type | petrol / electricity |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h | 9.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h |
| Exhaust Gas Specifications | Euro 6d-TEMP |
| Weight/power ratio | 7.9 kg/Hp, 127.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight/torque ratio | 8.8 kg/Nm, 113.1 Nm/tonne |
| ENGINE TOTAL | |
| HEAT ENGINE | |
| Power | 152 hp |
| Power per litre of displacement | 61.1 Hp/l |
| Rated motor torque | 200 Nm |
| Engine layout | Forward, transverse |
| Engine model/code | BGDA |
| Engine casing | 2488 cm3 |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | in a row |
| Cylinder diameter | 89 mm |
| Vaccine route | 100 mm |
| Degree of compression | 13 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-point spraying |
| Engine suction | Naturally climbing engine |
| Gas distribution mechanism | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.4 l |
| ELECTRIC MOTOR | |
| Electric motor power | 131 hp |
| Electric motor position | Embedded in the transmission |
| Total system power | 225 hp |
| BATTERY | |
| Gross battery capacity | 14.4 kWh |
| Battery technology | Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
| Battery position | Under the floor |
| Electric range (WLTP) | 56 km |
| Average energy consumption (WLTP) | 14.8-15.6 κιλοβατώρα/100 χλμ |
| Μέγιστη ταχύτητα (μόνο με ηλεκτρική ενέργεια) | 135 km/h |
| HEIGHT AND WEIGHT | |
| Weight | 1769 κιλά |
| Maximum payload | 551 κιλά |
| Minimum volume of luggage space | 411 l |
| Maximum volume of luggage space | 1481 l |
| Fuel tank capacity | 42.7 l |
| Maximum load | 75 kg |
| Permissible towing capacity with brakes (12%) | 1200 kg |
| DIMENSIONS | |
| Length | 4614 mm |
| Width | 1883 mm |
| Height | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2710 mm |
| Front track | 1597 mm |
| Back trace | 1588 mm |
| Distance from the ground | 139-160 mm |
| Minimum turning diameter (turning diameter) | 11.38 m |
| Γωνία προσέγγισης | 18.8° |
| Γωνία φυγής | 24.4° |
| ARCHITECTURE | |
| Movement | On the front wheels |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | Αυτόματο κιβώτιο ταχυτήτων μονής σχέσης eCVT |
| Front brakes | αεριζόμενοι δίσκοι , 308-330 mm |
| Rear brakes | Δίσκοι , 302 mm |
| Auxiliary systems | ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) |
| Type of address | Management chukrania (with teeth) |
| Steering system | Electric Steering Wheel |
| Τροχοί / Ελαστικά | 225/60 R18; 225/55 R19; 245/45 R20 |
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